If you run XM on the 7400, all you need is the modulator in the link to obtain the XM signal (and an antenna), then the HU will do the rest, right?



I'm putting together my strateegery for what I wan to do..

What do y'all think of XM also? How much is it - $9.99???

Thanks,

Chris (ReelWork)

 

With a modulator, your H/U will not display XM. You would have to get the Pioneer XM unit with bus cable to run XM directly through the unit. The H/U would not know what it was with out the direct link unit and bus cable.

I have a 6400 with the P900XM direct unit. I would reccomend that over a modulated (Sony Style) unit. The sound quality is much better.

As far as XM, it Rocks! It sucks driving my other car or someone elses without it. Definatly worth $10. I never want to be without it.

Maybe i picked a poor CD, but XM sounds better than the H/U CD. I also have a modulated six disk CD player in it, sounds terrible by comparison, but i'll probably take it out. I never listen to it anymore.

The only thing bad about XM is i end up putting more miles on my truck. I always volunteer to drive.

[EDIT] Chris, you said modulator, and i thought you ment a Sony style anntenna plug unit. The answer to your question is yes. With the P900 tuner, the H/U displays/controls everything.

 

I am in new territory and I know what you mean when people use a term that means something specific and in some cases from a specific maker... That's why I included the link. Now, that should coe with the proper bus cable and all shouldn't it? All I will need to by additionally would be the antenna, right?

Thanks for bearing with me! I'll be up to speed here pretty quick.... I'm already driving the wife crazy explaining all this stuff to her!

Thanks,
Chris (ReelWork)

So to get this straight, I need the 900xm unit and an antenna to connect to a 7400/8400/9400 etc.. Subscribe and I am rockin?!?

 

The P900 will have all the cables you need. I had mine installed, my wife bought it for me for our anniversary.

Head unit, P900, anntenna. There are two anntennas. A magnet, and a glass mount. I chose the glass mount. They put it on the front edge of the right ext cab glass. I would have had it put on the back glass, but i have a cap. I hardly ever have the cap on, but it would'nt fit in between. It's a Leer 100??, a tight fit, and the anntenna is big. On your truck, you would either have to go front or back glass. I wish i would have asked if it could have been put in the middle/top of the front windshield. Anyway, they are both big, nasty, ugly, screaming "steel me" anntannas.

I started replying to your post and was afraid to go to the link for fear of loosing the post. No apology nessesary. Modulated means a "T" in the primary anntenna, like an add on CD player would have. Sony's more popular XM unit works that way. For good reason though. You can take the Sony unit from car to car, or in your house provided you spent the $$$$$ for additional anntanna's and such. And you can use the Sony unit on factory H/U's. It's nice, but i did'nt like my factory H/U anyway. I do miss the big buttons though. The remote almost makes up for that.

There is some kind of offer for $50 dollars off and/or free installation if you use my account #, and i get a month free. I'll look into it if your interested. I've only been on for three weeks now. Still new to me.

 

Here's what I did...

I went with the Pioneer GEX-FM903XM unit initially with my factory stereo. It came with a FM modulator which hooks up via the factory antenna jack in the back wired to the 'brain box' of the XM system. Also, the XM requires an additonal 'nub' antenna which is mounted on top or a glass mount antenna which is mounted on the glass.

I decided that I absolutely hated the little display thing that came with the GEX-903XM and thus, I decided to scrap my factory system and get an XM ready head unit.

Enter the Pioneer P7400.

XM ready. MP3 ready. Everything I needed.

I uninstalled the GEX-FM903XM's graphic display (the little display unit) and ran a IP BUS cable from the brain box to the new pioneer head unit. (**Here's a tip, the IP BUS cable has two distinct ends... a blue and a black... it *DOES* matter which end plugs into the head unit and the brain box. Pay super-close attention to what the manual says to do...Needless to say I spent 2+ hours trying to figure out why in the hell it wouldn't work... come to find out, I had the damn cable reversed**)

Pioneer, Sony, and Alpine all have XM ready head units available on the market. The only thing is that they all have to have the same brand XM brain box. THEY ARE PROPRITARY! In short, a Sony Head Unit won't operate the Pioneer Brain Box.

I mounted the pioneer brain box behind the passenger side kick panel next to the passenger's right foot. Very nice spot to conceal the box and find a good ground. The TERK XM antenna cables (two of them) runs up behind the passenger 'OH *****' handle and under the headliner and out the third brake light wire hole and mounts securely on the roof. I spliced power for the brain box off of the factory harness behind the head unit and ran the IP bus cable side by side with the power cable up to the head unit.

So, at this point, I have the Pioneer GEX-FM903XM's brain box running my XM with the Pioneer DEH-P7400MP running as the headunit which controls the AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 show. I scraped the factory headunit and factory changer.

I did intensive research before I bought the Pioneer Head unit and learned a lot about how the Pioneer XM units work so, if you have any other questions, please feel free to email me or post a reply here.

GOOD LUCK!

RP

 

If you're speaking of the TERK antennas, the one that you refer to as a 'magnet' is not a magnet. It's a stick on one which uses the 3M adhesive straight to the paint. I don't think it screams steal me but, it is an obvious addition and, to the trained eye, it would tell someone that you have XM.





The antenna is the TERK TRK-SR2 (which has a $30 rebate currently). http://www.terk.com/

RP

 

This is why I scrapped the FM modulated XM version. This was part of the GEX-FM903XM kit which comes with the brain box, FM modulator, and that little display screen shown above. That display screen was also the remote control and was a ROYAL PAIN IN THE **** to use. I didn't want to mount it to my dash because of the wires running around thus, I opted to run it up and out of my center console which, honestly, was VERY dangerous while I was driving trying to surf channels and see titles of songs and artists. I was constantly looking down to see it. It was just a matter of time before I rear ended someone. Hence, that's why I have the DEH-P7400 now. The XM ready head unit eliminated my need for this little bothersome display. In-dash, as you know, and I have more of a 'head's up' display to look at. Plus, I'm not having to reach up and push buttons because of the handy-dandy remote control which I typically leave in my lap and surf from there... the remote control is a MUST HAVE with XM in my opinion.

Here's the DEH-P7400MP installed in my truck. Both day and night shots for your viewing excitement.





RP *smiley*

 

Ahh yes, last but not least, the IP bus cable. (which I believe is included with the regular Pioneer XM brain box -- P900XM -- not with the modulated kit -- GEX-FM903XM -- however).

**TO CLARIFY**

The regular Pioneer XM Brain Box that you would need if you purchased an XM ready head unit is the P900XM. I just used the one that came with my original FM modulated purchase which was the GEX-FM903XM.


I picked mine up on ebay because they're so damn expensive. I found it pretty cheap from this guy...

Here's a link to the auction.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=1371413118

Hrrm, I think I've splurged almost all of my XM/PIONEER knowledge. I must sleep now. Feel free to post questions or email me.

RP

 

Do you guys that have the 7400/8400/9400 have any complaints about the remote lacking a 10 button keypad (for direct access), lack of scrolling on the faceplate and on MP3's, the delay while playing MP3's or the lower 2.2 volt preouts???

These are really about the only things left I have to address before making the finaly cut actually.. The reason I ask is because about the only other HU I am considering are the Kenwood models KDC-X659, 859 or 959 and the MP919. Personally, I think they look a little too plasticky and they use Sirius radio but....... They don't seem to have the problem with the delay on MP3's, They do have a 10 button remote along with scrolling and all their HU's are 4.5 volts.

Now, persoanlly I prefer Pioneers' XM over Sirius just because it's $10/month compared to $13 LOL.... But... Who knows..

I address these issues with the delay, remote and scrolling because those have been the biggest complaints that I seen everywhere I have looked... But... I wanted to hear it from the folks here as to whether it was that big of an issue.. i.e. do you wish you had it and do you have any complaints? or not? As for the Voltage, well, that's a plus for Kenwood, but not a losing point for Pioneer.

I like the looks of the Pioneer more actually, but the Kenwood seems to address some of the issues that the folks at Pioneer didn't...

Thanks again for the inputs! This site is the greatest...

Chris (ReelWork)

The one thing I found that the Kenwood does, that I haven't seen in other HU's, is it has the ability to completely shut off the internal amp via the menus!!! Perfect for when you hook up amps and the HU is not hooked up to speakers, you shut the amp off and eliminate heat build up.. That is toally badass!

 

Sorry Chris, i have no use for MP3's, that's why i went with the 6400. It's otherwise identical to the 7400. The only complaint i have about the remote is you can't scan through your pre-sets.

Sirrus (sp?) is rumored to be going by the way of Betamax. If Sony likes XM, that's where i'll be. XM also has many of it's own programing that makes me feel it will be around for a while, ie: MTV, VH1, NASCAR. These are stations for XM only. It's not off the air (tv) but their own distint stations. The only thing about Sirrus is it's completly commercial free. But, XM has so few commercials on the stations that do have commercials, it might as well be commercial free.

Rock, i wish i went with that anntenna. Mine looks like it's flipping everyone off. Is that it? Or does it have a mast that's laying down along the roof?

 

I agree 200% with Blizzard. The guys at Best Buy (one of which I know from college) claims that they're selling XM over Sirius at a rate of around 15 to 1. That's 15 XM's to just 1 Sirius. I don't think the Sirius can manage to make it at that rate. Their stock has plumited since they hit the street whereas XM, I'm told, has done nothing but grow. I think that's a major indicator.

Blizzard--no, that's all of the antenna. Just that little nub. No telescoping mast that's layed over. What you see is all that it is. Check out that TERK site. There are several other photos there.

Reel -
1. As you know from past correspondence with the Clarion Sub and such, you had asked me a while back which unit I have. I have the 7400. Love it. I made the right decision on HU for me.

2. Don't make the decision based upon commercials. As Blizzard mentioned, the XM commercial lineup is VERY minimal and, in fact, alot of the commercials that you hear are actually promoting live events or plugging another XM station or something like that. It's rare that you hear a commercial about a 'product'. However, I have heard some chewing gum commercial a few times here lately.

3. I don't have a problem with the 2-4 second delay between MP3 tracks. It's simply not an issue with me.

4. Personally, I love the wireless remote. No, it doesn't control everything but, I can do just about anything that I want to do with a few pushes of a few buttons. It's a must have. I love the remote.

I think that covers it. Let me know if you have any other questions and definately go with the Head Unit that best fits your needs and wants in a head unit. It's a decent chunk of change so, make sure you get what you want.... I did.

RP

 

I figured as much on the XM. Actually, XM is my first choice... I listened to it at work on one of the online feed demos for like 5 hours and it rocks! I kept sitting there saying to myself, "There's a good song.. That's a good one too!"

Ya know, I have to be honest here, I will most likely go with the Pioneer because that is the one that I like the looks of the most and has all the features I want with two exceptions...

One, I wish it would allow scrolling through tracks.. Secondly, I wish they would make a friggin 10 button remote.. If it did those two things, PERFECTION!!! I tell ya, Pure perfection!!!

Yes, those two things are somewhat nit-picky I know, but isn't that why some people buy Sony or Alpine or JVC or any of the other HU's out there? I'm not trying to beat this to death (although I may already have ) but when I was looking at the other HU's, Kenwood had the two things that I wish the Pioneers had, but I can't see myself putting a Kenwood in my dash (I'm no fast and furious wannabe).. No offense to anyone but I think they are little too plasticky and flashy for my tastes and lack the "work of art" look that the Pioneer has...

I really wish they made the 8400 in black... That is actually my favorite unit but too flashy and would look too flashy in the dash.. I want class in the dash, not flash.... Rockpick, you seem to have the same tastes as me, you know what I mean. We seem to be following the same paths on a lot of things here...

Ok, thanks again.. 7400 it is... Now, just to got to plan when to break the wife in.. She's said "yes" but ya'll know how that is... After you come home, it starts... LOL

Oh yeah, she said "yes" to XM too!!!! Sweet..

Now, before I sound like a puss, I'm the CFO of the relationship but I still get permission on the stuff where I know I'd catch a heap of ***** if I didn't.... And she always says yes.. Gotta keep those communication lines open..

Thanks Again,

Chris (ReelWork)

Is there any issue with heat on the XM receiver/tuner unit? I was thinking of putting it in the storage behind the seat...

 

I mounted my brain box behind the kick panel next to the passenger's right foot. Works very well there. I've pulled that panel off and handled the box after using the XM for the ride home and there was no heat problem. I was able to handle the box with no 'burn' or worries of heat.

So, to answer your question directly.... "no" I don't believe heat will be an issue.

Best of luck!

RP

 

I don't have a clue where my installer put my XM tuner

What i do know is after removing the glove box innards, my amp and cross over fit perfectly in there. Either of you know of any aftermarket glove box lock?

One more thing Chris, the XL displayed after the station, Rock's pic made me think of this, is for language. I found out the hard way with my girls in the truck. Puddle of Mud's "She ********** Hates Me" came on and i turned it up a little. Opps! Thought i ripped the volume **** off. I also got burned by Radio Head's "Creep". XL is un-edited.

BTW Rock, truck looks great. Mine looks identical to yours other than my box is slightly different. The "space" above the H/U on mine is smaller, the remote fits perfect, does'nt slide around.

Now i'm on to getting speakers, the amp and crossover are mounted but not hooked up. I plan on putting in the door crack kit, rustproofing, and speakers all in one shot. Only want to take the door panels off once.

One more question, 5x7's and 6x8's. On a Scab, what's where? I have a multi-channel amp, (Sound Stream) and will be putting one side to subs. What should i put the other side to? Front or rear? I'm thinking front from the way the H/U is set up.

Thanks

 

Overall, I like the 7400. The MP3's sound great thru the MBQuartz. My only minor complaints are 1) the slight delay in between songs when playing MP3's, and 2) the title doesn't scroll on MP3's....the same problems you don't like. The delay is tolerable, maybe 5 seconds when changing folders and couple seconds between songs.
I might upgrade to XM eventually, but having a take home cruiser, I don't drive the Lightning as much as I used to. Don't think I'd get enough use out of it to justify the expense right now.